Expat Community

Several restaurants in Cuenca and Quito, Ecuador, offer traditional Thanksgiving dinners with turkey and all the trimmings, catering to expats and locals alike. Don Colon Restaurant and Joes Secret Garden in Cuenca provide festive meals, while Quito Clubhouse and La Petite Mariscal in Quito host special Thanksgiving events. These options allow expats to celebrate the holiday with familiar dishes while embracing local flavors.

Discovering the ideal place to live in Ecuador involves considering personal priorities such as climate, healthcare, and social life, with expats recommending extended visits to find the perfect spot

Ecuador offers a mix of safety, climate, and bureaucratic challenges for expats. While many expats feel safe by using common sense, the country's climate varies from year-round spring-like weather in some areas to intense heat on the coast. Bureaucracy can be a significant hurdle, especially during election periods or economic downturns.

Expats in Mexico emphasize the importance of navigating bureaucracy with professional guidance, such as hiring a lawyer to handle visa and legal processes efficiently. While some areas face safety concerns due to crime and drug cartels, many expats feel safe by taking precautions and researching their destinations. Overall, expats express satisfaction with their lives in Mexico, highlighting the friendly locals and the benefits of thorough preparation.